'appropriate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'appropriatus,' where 'ad-' meant 'to' and 'proprius' meant 'own.'

'appropriatus' transformed into the French word 'approprier,' and eventually became the modern English word 'appropriate' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to make one's own,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to take possession of something, often without permission.'